Professor Akoriyea (R) handing over the kyes to the health officials
The Government of Ghana has officially handed over the Okere District Hospital to the Ghana Health Service, marking a significant step in improving healthcare access in the Eastern Region.
The handing-over ceremony, held on April 2, 2025, was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members.
Speaking at the event, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey emphasized the importance of the hospital in providing quality healthcare services to the people of Okere.
She noted that the facility would reduce the need for referrals to larger hospitals and ensure that residents receive medical care closer to home.
“This hospital is a critical investment in the health and well-being of our people. It will provide quality healthcare services to the community, reducing the need for referrals to regional or national hospitals. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and equipment, ensuring that our people receive the best care,” she stated.
Awatey expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health, the District Assembly, and development partners for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.
She urged the community and healthcare workers to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
Ben Ampomah Nkansah, Director of the Infrastructure Directorate at the Ministry of Health, spoke on behalf of Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure nationwide, with Okere being one of the twelve districts benefiting from the construction of 40-bed hospitals.
“The project is a fully functional 40-bed hospital developed on a turnkey basis by VAMED Engineering GmbH of Austria, one of the most experienced contractors in the world. A total of €71,500,000 was secured from Erste Group Bank AG and Česká Spořitelna, a.s., with an export credit guarantee of €8,612,931.3 from EGAP of the Czech Republic. This funding covers the construction and equipping of 12 hospitals, including Okere,” he stated.
Chief of Adukrom and Akuapem Nifahene, Osuodumgya Nana Otutu Ababio V, who chaired the occasion, assured the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, that the facility would be well-maintained to serve the community effectively.
In his remarks, Prof. Akoriyea urged all stakeholders to ensure the proper upkeep of the hospital.
He cautioned that poor maintenance could hinder the facility’s ability to deliver quality healthcare and emphasized the need for community support in sustaining its operations.
“The facility should be maintained properly to serve the community. I also encourage the nurses and healthcare staff to demonstrate patience and professionalism in their service to patients,” he advised.
The facility was inaugurated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on December 5, 2024.
AM/KA
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